Council urged to go solar powered
A retired New Plymouth structural engineer has called for the New Plymouth District Council to take the lead in fronting climate change.
Colin Bell presented a petition of more than 80 signatures to councillors at their meeting on Tuesday, calling on them to investigate whether it is feasible and economic to install solar photovoltaic panels on the council building roof.
Bell said installing around 350 panels on the north and east facing sides of the roof would help generate 100kW of electricity, and save costs on electricity use in the building. If the NPDC acted positively against climate change and agreed to install the panels it may encourage other large entities in the region, such as supermarkets, shopping centres and large office buildings, to follow and help increase the solar power capacity, he said.
‘‘I’ve been told the idea would not be economic because of the commercial electricity rate the council paid was too competitive,’’ he said.
‘‘I was told it would take 20 years to pay off which I believed was an unsatisfactory answer.’’
However, in an emailed statement NPDC external relations manager Jacqueline Baker said the council had considered installing solar several times since the building was built around 30 years ago.
‘‘We think it’s a great idea... but unfortunately we aren’t able to put solar panels on the roof because of its size and shape,’’ Baker said.
But Bell said in light of the urgency of combating the threat of climate change, the council should fully consider the petition for the benefit of the region.
‘‘We want them to think globally and act locally.
‘‘This won’t save the world but will be the start of something better.’’
Baker said the council intended to install a solar power system at the O¯ a¯ kura water treatment plant. While NPDC was ‘‘striving for a more renewable future’’ towards Zero Waste 2040 it was a ‘‘constant balancing act with saving ratepayers’ money and competing priorities’’.
NPDC had won an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority award for energy management. The council was keen to hear from residents on how to save power, and could help them install solar panels through the Home Energy Scheme, Baker said.